What Is Ethylamine?
Ethylamine, also known as monoethylamine, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H7N. It is a colorless gas at room temperature but can be liquified under certain conditions and has a peculiar odor similar to ammonia. Its molar mass is 45.08 g/mol, and it has a melting point of -80°C and a boiling point of 16.6°C, both under standard atmospheric pressure. The CAS number for ethylamine is 75-04-7.
Uses of Ethylamine
Ethylamine is used as a raw material in various industries for producing pharmaceuticals, dyes, surfactants, and paints, often in an aqueous solution form.
1. Birch Reduction
In organic synthesis, ethylamine serves as a primary amine in the Birch reduction process, which is used to reduce unsaturated compounds like naphthalene and various alkyne compounds. The reaction involves dissolving a metal like sodium or lithium in ethylamine, generating a complex ion and facilitating the partial reduction of stable structures like benzene rings.
2. Nucleophile
As a strong nucleophile, ethylamine is used in synthesizing amides and introducing nitrogen atoms into molecules. It is crucial in the synthesis of certain surfactants that feature a quaternary amine bonded to a long alkyl chain.
3. Complexes
Ethylamine can coordinate with many metals and electron-deficient atoms due to its noncovalent electron pairs. For example, it forms a salt with boron trifluoride and is used as a curing accelerator in resin synthesis.
Properties of Ethylamine
Ethylamine can be synthesized by various methods, including the reduction of nitroethane or acetonitrile, or by reacting hexamethylenetetramine with ethyl bromide and hydrolysis. It is classified as both flammable and toxic, necessitating careful handling and appropriate safety measures such as wearing protective gloves and eyewear.
Other Information on Ethylamine
Diethylamine and Triethylamine
Related compounds, diethylamine, and triethylamine, with more ethyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom, have similar uses. Diethylamine, in particular, is widely used in herbicides and is liquid at room temperature, making it easier to handle.